Ôtland (oat-LAND) was a kingdom carved out of central Nora by the mythical Woad the Conqueror. It existed during the Age of Kings until it was torn apart by the invasions of eladrin and the Dark Empire. The kingdom was once two vastly different nations locked in a constant state of war before being conquered.

During this time, a large forest, known as the Gyventi Forest, existed near the Lune Mountains. Historians suspect it was destroyed during the Dark Empire.

Women's rights

Ôtland was more welcoming of women in positions of authority than many other kingdoms of the Age of Kings. While women were considered to be subservient as a default, many notable women rose up beyond their initial status to become Gnesis priestesses, heads of noble houses, fighters and even knights. Women fighters were often referred to as shieldmaidens. They were allowed to go to war if they were unmarried and had their father's permission. Knighted women took the title of dame.

It was generally thought that if a woman could defeat a man in battle, that man was unworthy to control her.

Law

The death penalty was not usually implemented in Otland. Punishments, even for murder, usually resulted in fines. Failure to pay those fines often lead to slavery in service of the indebted, banishment, or the guilty being declared an outlaw.

If women or children committed crimes, it was up to the father or husband to pay. If a woman had no husband or father, she could pay her debt herself, but if she could not she would be sold to a man who could.

Slavery was legal and often was comprised of debters, foreigners, elves or prisoners of war.

Only men could divorce, but if they did they had to pay their wives a fee based on the years they were married. A divorced person of any gender was considered undesirable if their ex-spouse still lived.